Fire between Marinwood and Novato scorches five acres

A brush fire scorched about five acres Sunday between Marinwood and Novato, approaching two neighborhoods but forcing no evacuations.

The fire started around 11 a.m. just off the bike trail in Marinwood that parallels southbound Highway 101. Novato fire Chief Mark Heine said the fire initially threatened homes on Heatherstone Drive in Marinwood and Redhawk Road in Novato.

The fire sent smoke throughout northern Marin and caused a lengthy traffic jam on southbound Highway 101 as drivers squeezed past the scene. Traffic was partially restricted by police and firefighters at the site of the fire.

Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in about an hour and no evacuations were needed. No one was injured in the fire and the cause is under investigation, Heine said.

Heine said firefighters and personnel from Novato, Marinwood, San Rafael, the California Highway Patrol and the Marin County Fire Department responded to the incident. They were aided by a Cal Fire helicopter, two water tankers and a plane dropping water and fire retardant.

"The helicopter has dropped four loads of retardant," Heine said.

Heine reminded homeowners to make sure they have adequate defensible space between their homes and surrounding vegetation.

San Rafael fire Chief Christopher Gray, who was also on scene, agreed.